Slow Cooker Tuna Soup: Easy Comfort Food Tonight!

January 27, 2026

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slow cooker tuna soup. It’s a phrase that might not immediately conjure up images of culinary delight, but trust me, this unexpected comfort food will become a family favorite. My grandmother, bless her heart, used to whip up a version of this on rainy days, using pantry staples to create a soul warming meal. This slow cooker tuna soup recipe is my updated, slightly fancier, homage to her simple goodness. It’s truly the best kind of quick and easy meal!

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing every spoonful with rich, savory flavors. Let’s get started!

Why You Will Love This slow cooker tuna soup Recipe

This slow cooker tuna soup is pure comfort in a bowl. The creamy broth, tender vegetables, and flaky tuna create a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you feeling satisfied and content. I love how easily you can customize it with your own favorite veggies – feel free to get creative!

One of my favorite memories is coming home from school on a cold day and being greeted by the aroma of slow cooked tuna soup wafting through the house. It was a signal that everything was right in the world, and a reminder of my grandmother’s unconditional love. The speed and ease of this recipe make it my own stress reducer in the evenings.

slow cooker tuna soup - Detail or variation — Close-up detail

Ingredients Needed for This slow cooker tuna soup Recipe

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pound small red potatoes, quartered
2 (5 ounce) cans tuna in water, drained
1 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

How to Make This slow cooker tuna soup Recipe

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
2. Transfer the vegetables to a slow cooker.
3. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add potatoes to the slow cooker.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until potatoes are tender.
6. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the drained tuna and frozen peas.
7. Continue to cook until the tuna is heated through and the peas are tender crisp, about 5-10 minutes.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
9. Enjoy! And for another delicious recipe using tuna, why not try these Slow Cooker Tuna Wraps?

How to Serve This slow cooker tuna soup Recipe

Serve this hearty slow cooker tuna soup hot, ladled into your favorite bowls. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a zesty touch.

Pair it with crusty bread for dipping into the savory broth or a simple side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Thinking of other tuna recipes? You might really enjoy Slow Cooker Tuna Wraps 2 for a quick and easy meal!

How to Store This slow cooker tuna soup Recipe

Allow the tuna soup to cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling, as this can make the tuna tough.

Tips to Make This slow cooker tuna soup Recipe

For a richer flavor, use bone broth instead of chicken broth. Add a bay leaf to the slow cooker for extra depth of flavor and remove it before serving.

Don’t overcook the tuna, as it can become dry and rubbery. Add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure it stays moist and tender. If you’re concerned about the tuna, you may also want to try Slow Cooker Tuna Wraps 3.

For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half and half at the end of cooking.

Helpful Notes for This slow cooker tuna soup Recipe

This recipe is very forgiving and can be easily adapted to your liking. Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or corn.

Canned tuna packed in olive oil can be used instead of tuna packed in water for a richer flavor.

If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be substituted. Use about 1 teaspoon dried parsley for every 1/4 cup fresh parsley.

Variation of This slow cooker tuna soup Recipe

For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker.

To make a dairy free version, use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream or sour cream.

For a heartier soup, add cooked pasta or rice to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Be sure to Follow us on Pinterest for even more recipe inspiration!

Can you put canned tuna in a slow cooker?

Yes, canned tuna is perfect for slow cooker recipes like tuna soup. It’s already cooked, so it just needs to be heated through and absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.

What goes well with tuna soup?

Tuna soup pairs well with crusty bread for dipping, a side salad for a lighter meal, or grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic comfort food combination. You might also enjoy it with crackers.

How do you keep tuna from drying out in a slow cooker?

To prevent tuna from drying out in a slow cooker, add it towards the end of the cooking time, usually within the last 30-60 minutes. This prevents overcooking while still allowing it to heat through.

Is slow cooker tuna soup healthy?

Slow cooker tuna soup can be a healthy meal, especially when you include plenty of vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes. Tuna is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, contributing to a balanced diet.

Conclusion

This slow cooker tuna soup is a simple, comforting, and endlessly customizable meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a dish that brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen and reminds me that good food doesn’t need to be complicated. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do! Give this slow cooker tuna soup a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Bon appétit!